Bye Bugs! How to Keep Your Camper Lice-Free This Summer
This guest post was written exclusively for Pack for Camp by Nikki Ostrower and Nicole Crockett, lice experts and owners of Lice Mamas, a lice treatment and scalp health clinic in NYC.
Smart, Simple Tips for a Summer Without Scratching
Camp is all about campfires, crafts, canoeing—and let’s be honest, a whole lot of head bumping during cabin dance parties and bunk bed chats. While your child is out there making BFFs and memories, there’s one thing we don’t want them to bring home: lice.
The good news? With a few easy habits, you can set your camper up for a lice-free summer (and avoid the dreaded "we found bugs" text). Here's how to stop lice in their tracks—before and after camp.
🔍 Before Camp: Plan Ahead So Lice Don’t Stand a Chance
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Have “The Lice Talk”
It’s not awkward—it’s empowering! Give your child the lowdown:
🚫 No sharing hats, helmets, hoodies, brushes, or pillows.
👯 No head-to-head selfies or snuggle piles (save that love for handwritten letters home). -
Hair Up, Bugs Out
Lice love loose hair. If your camper has longer locks, show them how to rock a tight braid, bun, or ponytail. Bonus: less tangling, less drama. -
Label Everything (Yes, Even the Hairbrush)
The less your child shares, the better. Label their stuff to cut down on the “oops-I-thought-it-was-mine” moments in the cabin. -
Pack Preventative Products If You Want Extra Peace of Mind
While not required, lice-repelling spray, shampoo, conditioner and hair ties made with essential oils like tea tree, rosemary, and peppermint can be a great addition to your camper’s routine. Just spritz and go!
🏕️ After Camp: The Bug Check Welcome Home Party
Your camper’s back with stories, souvenirs, and possibly... uninvited guests. Here's what to do:
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Do a Lice Check—ASAP
Before they run wild through the house or hug every family member, give that scalp a once-over. Use a fine-tooth lice comb and check especially behind the ears, at the crown, and the nape of the neck. -
Wash All The Things
Clothes, bedding, pillows, stuffed animals—anything that went to camp should go through the hottest laundry cycle it can handle. Suitcase? Vacuum it or leave it in the sun. -
Keep Up the Watch for a Week or Two
Lice eggs (nits) can take 7-10 days to hatch, so keep doing quick checks during those post-camp days. It’s way easier to deal with a couple of nits than a full-blown infestation.
🚫 And If You DO Find Lice? Don’t Freak Out.
Seriously. Lice happens to the cleanest of heads and the most prepared of parents. Take a breath, call in reinforcements if needed, and handle it like the cool-headed camp parent you are.
Camp should be full of memories—not itchy scalps. With a little prep and a quick check when they return, you can keep your summer drama-free (and bug-free).
Have questions or need a go-to plan just in case? We’ve got your back—because you deserve a lice-free summer, too. 🛶☀️
About the Authors
Nikki Ostrower and Nicole Crockett are owners of Lice Mamas, a lice treatment and scalp health clinic in NYC.